to-do
/tə'du:/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A disorderly outburst or tumult; a commotion or fuss: "to-do" refers to a noisy, excited, or agitated situation, often involving many people and confusion. It describes a state of uproar or a big fuss about something, typically over a minor issue.
Usage
- As a subject: "The to-do over the missing keys was completely unnecessary."
- As an object: "She caused quite a to-do when she arrived late to the meeting."
- With prepositions: Often used in phrases like "make a to-do about something" or "what a to-do!"
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "Much ado about nothing": This is a related idiom from Shakespeare, meaning a lot of fuss over something trivial. While "ado" is a slightly older synonym, the concept is identical to a "to-do about nothing."
- "Kick up a to-do": To cause a commotion or fuss.
- He kicked up a real to-do when he found out his order was wrong.
Variants and Related Words
- Ado (noun): Fuss, trouble, or bother. (e.g., )
- Commotion (noun): A state of confused and noisy disturbance.
- Fuss (noun): Unnecessary or excessive excitement, activity, or interest.
- Hullabaloo (noun): A commotion; a fuss.
- Kerfuffle (noun): A commotion or fuss, especially one caused by conflicting views.
Synonyms
- Commotion
- Fuss
- Uproar
- Disturbance
- Hubbub
- Brouhaha
Antonyms
- Calm
- Peace
- Quiet
- Tranquility
- Order
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Make a to-do: To create a fuss or commotion.
- She made a huge to-do over a tiny scratch on her car.
- A lot of to-do about nothing: A phrase emphasizing that the fuss was over an insignificant matter.
- The media coverage was a lot of to-do about nothing; the policy change was very minor.
Noun
- a disorderly outburst or tumult
- they were amazed by the furious disturbance they had caused